Could Food Inflation Be Reignited This Year?

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Overall food prices are projected to rise less than 2008's 5.5% at a bit over 3% it could be impacted by production cuts and a stronger U.S. dollar.

Elmwood Park, NJ (PRWEB)March 4, 2009

While food inflation is projected to be under last year's 5.5% level it could be impacted by production cuts and a stronger U.S. dollar, according to Kenneth Zaslow, a senior analyst for BMO Capital Markets speaking at The Food Institute's webinar Where Are Food Prices Headed In 2009? (http://www.foodinstitute.com/foodprices.cfm) Reductions in production could "reignite inflationary pressures," noted Zaslow, pointing out that the recent slowdown in food inflation has been accelerated by declines in demand, and "trading down" by consumers.

Overall food prices are projected to rise 3% to 4.0%, noted Ephraim Leibtag, U.S. Department of Agriculture economist. Food-at-home prices however are seen rising between 2.5% and 3.5%, while food away-from-home is projected to rise between 3.5% and 4.5%. Center-of-the-plate protein items, such as beef pork and poultry are seen rising under 2008 levels, and dairy and egg prices are actually projected to decline this year after increasing at double-digit rates in 2008.

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